Beyond the Couch
Beyond the Couch is a podcast exploring the intersection of Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American (APISA) identity and mental health. Hosted by three therapists, Diana Liao, LMHC, Samantha Waldman, LMHC, and Christie Kim, LMHC, our mission is to demystify therapy and uplift stories from our community. Join us every Wednesday as we delve into essential topics from identity and perfectionism to courageous stories of healing and collective care with fellow therapists, experts, and community members.
Beyond the Couch is a proud initiative of Bridges Mental Health, is a stigma-free hub for Asians, Pacific Islanders, and South Asian Americans (APISA) to discuss, navigate, and seek mental health care. Find a therapist, join our therapist community, and follow us on Instagram @bridgesmentalhealth.
Beyond the Couch
Exploring Neurodiversity, Gender & Identity in Adulthood with Kim Konopka
This week, Diana sits down with Kim Konopka who delves into the interplay of identity in relation to queerness, neurodivergence, and being a transracial adoptee. Kim shares their journey of self-discovery and the profound impact of learning about their autism in adulthood, offering reflection upon their experiences of masking, wanting to blend in, and the fear of abandonment. They explore the nuanced themes of safety, disclosure, forced intimacy, and the delicate balance of what gets shared, planted, or buried. Kim discusses the impact of the model minority myth on their mental health, as well as their life-changing experience in therapy which provided them the permission to take up more space and explore their identity safely. Together they discuss the privilege and access involved in formal assessments, as well as the importance of self-identification and trusting people to know themselves.
Kim (they/them) is a psychotherapist in private practice. They often work with neurodivergent QTBIPOC and transracial adoptees. Kim aims to be a compassionate collaborator who shows up with curiosity and care. They are known for their playfulness, emotive expression and moments of quiet reflection.
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Bridges Mental Health connects Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian Americans (APISA) with culturally responsive mental health professionals and resources. We hope to make mental health care more accessible and approachable across the Asian diaspora.
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